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Press Releases

"This program gives motivated women the tools and skills they need to thrive in a challenging economy," Congressman John Garamendi said during the tour. "I am deeply impressed by the Women's Initiative and convinced that this program pays for itself and then some."

"This worthy $10 million investment in our local communities by the Department of Transportation will improve commute times for pedestrians and bicyclists, helping to reduce congestion on our busy streets," Congressman Garamendi said. "Once again, President Obama and the Democratic Majority in Congress are stepping in where help is needed most, creating more than 500 jobs and improving local communities, including Livermore and Antioch, during tough economic times."

"I’ve read countless reports on the issues facing our veterans, but nothing replaces listening to the firsthand reports of our returned heroes," Congressman Garamendi said. "Our first duty as a nation is to take care of our brave men and women in uniform and their families. They put everything on the line. We must make sure they every resource they need in the field and back home. I want to thank Secretary Shinseki and Congressman McNerney for putting together this important site visit and roundtable."

"It is imperative that we immediately pass and fund the next generation of air traffic control systems (NextGen). The total 'once and done' cost for the FAA to invest in NextGen systems is more than a third less than the annual cost of delay. I applaud UC Berkeley, the FAA, and their research partners for working together to produce this essential non-biased report, shedding light on a significant policy issue that directly impacts consumers."

"The Army Corps of Engineers must realize that all levee systems are not built the same," said Congressman Garamendi, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Interior from 1995-1998. "It’s very clear from studies here in California that you can build levees that preserve public safety and take into consideration the impact on local economies and wildlife habitats. We especially need to be sensitive about habitats relied upon by rare and endangered species."

Garamendi explained: "Can countries with atrocious labor and environmental standards sometimes produce goods a little bit cheaper than American workers? Sure, but that’s a shallow way of looking at our economy. As we saw with the Bay Bridge, sometimes you get what you pay for. Even more importantly, supply chains matter. American workers pay American taxes and spend money at local businesses. With increased demand, these businesses expand and hire new workers, creating even more local demand along with tax revenues that can then be used in additional infrastructure. This cycle of growth and prosperity must be our nation’s priority in the years ahead."

"Our soldiers worked overtime and risked their lives for our country," Congressman Garamendi said. "I urge them to file early for this payment, so they can collect what they are owed. This compensation will help our soldiers better afford their mortgages, their groceries, and other day-to-day expenses."

"When America’s largest banks were on the verge of collapse, the federal government stepped in to avert an even worse financial crisis," Garamendi added. "Now that most of the banks have paid back their bailouts and reported profits, we expect them to work with Americans struggling to keep their homes and livelihoods. Instead, too many greedy Wall Street firms seem eager to exploit vulnerable families."

Congressman Garamendi was an early supporter of the SAVINGS Act, a bill that enables military families to have better information about their life insurance payments. This will empower these families to make the best possible financial decisions, so they can receive a just payment should their loved ones be killed in action.